In Organic Hobby Farming, Andy Tomolonis, a longtime organic
gardener, part-time hobby farmer, and award-winning Boston-area
journalist, strips down the concept of "organic" and explains why
natural farming has emerged as the healthiest and most viable
method of growing for hobby farms and other small-scale operations.
In addition to the improved taste and the appeal of excluding toxic
materials, organic farming benefits farmers, their families, and
the environment. It offers economic plusses as well. The current
consumer demand for "local" and "organic" food underscores the need
for small hobby farms that offer unique high-end goods. Tomolonis
explains the basic principles of organic farming and describes how
hobby farmers and their families can eat healthier, save money,
help preserve the environment, and even turn their passion into a
small-scale side business.
Chapter 1 will help you assess the land you live on to determine
whether it's suited for organic vegetables, fruit, berries, or
livestock. Farmers who are looking to lease or buy land will find
practical advice on how to evaluate properties and find their best
use, taking climate, soil, water and geography into consideration.
In Chapter 2, Tomolonis continues with practical advice on how to
choose the right tools without overspending--starting slowly with
quality hand implements and then expanding as you determine the
need for costlier power equipment.
Chapter 3 moves on to the heart of any successful organic
farm--building the soil. "The Good Earth" brings readers down to
earth, i.e., the soil. You'll learn how to evaluate and improve
your soil with compost and cover crops and protect it from erosion,
chemical contamination and other harm. The author also stresses the
importance of understanding the complex relationship between
underground soil organisms that play such a crucial role in natural
plant health. The best soil, with the right balance of nutrients
and a healthy population of microbes, will help your plants survive
hardship, resist diseases and produce healthier more bountiful
harvests, the author explains.
Chapter 4 walks you through the steps needed to develop an
organized farm plan. The chapter presents a convenient
month-by-month overview of the farmer's year, offering a timeline
and detailed instructions for sowing seeds indoors, transplanting
seedlings, guarding against insects and weeds, harvesting, planting
cover crops extending the season and developing a schedule for
successive food crops. Whether you want to feed your growing family
all summer long or produce enough food for a small-scale
agribusiness, the information here is invaluable. This chapter also
covers organic methods for harnessing the power of nature by luring
beneficial insects that will help control farm and garden pests.
Learn about heirlooms, hybrids, and eclectic vegetable varieties in
the comprehensive directory of vegetable crops and herbs introduced
in Chapter 5. Tomolonis reveals his favorite varieties, including
many alluring heirlooms that have grown in popularity. Each crop
description offers detailed information on soil preparation,
sowing, companion planting, and battling weeds and insects without
harmful chemicals. The author, a former produce manager for a
national grocery chain, also includes tips for harvesting crops,
prepping them for display, and bringing the goods to market.
If you're looking for advice on fruits and berries, Organic Hobby
Farms introduces new options in Chapter 6, where the author
suggests ways to branch out with Asian pears, peaches, and apples,
as well as nutritious blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and
strawberries. As he does in other chapters, Tomolonis explains in
common terms, how to choose the best varieties for your region,
prepare the soil for maximum production, and deal with pests and
diseases organically.
Organic Hobby Farming also describes the basics of adding chickens
to your farm--for wholesome organic eggs or pastured meat. Select
the right breeds, raise a flock from day-old chicks and protect the
birds from predators and pests the natural way. Tomolonis also
delves into the fascinating world of apiculture in Chapter 8. He
and his wife, Valerie, are avid beekeepers with hives that produce
gallons of healthy unpasteurized local honey. In addition to bees,
the book provides insight into keeping such small livestock as meat
rabbits and dairy goats.
Hobby farmers who want to turn their agricultural skills into a
money-making operation will find practical advice in Chapter 9,
which discusses commercial options. Learn how to sell your goods to
local restaurants, at farmers' markets, or as part of a
community-supported-agriculture (CSA) program. And, once you make a
decision to turn commercial, you'll find advice in developing a
business plan, crafting a mission statement, setting goals, and
creating farm budgets. You'll also learn the myriad benefits--and
challenges--of becoming USDA certified organic.
Finally, Organic Hobby Farming steers you to multiple sources of
additional information with an extensive listing of resources,
broken down by subject and chapter. With Organic Hobby Farming,
creative-thinking readers will learn ways to increase the
profitability of their organic ventures. The reader can decide to
transform his hobby farm into a specialty destination for heirloom
varieties, organic raw honey, preserves, dried herbs, or a
particularly desirable breed of heritage livestock.
As Tomolonis states in the book's introduction, "eat safer, more
nutritious food, learn about your soil and plants, support the
local food movement and help save the planet--one acre at a time."
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